As we go about our lives,
We can hold on to stories that we pick up from others.
The weight of others' burdens becomes stressful and it's good to learn when to let go.
This meditation will guide you through the process of releasing others' energy.
I will start with a Buddhist parable and in this time make yourself comfortable and begin taking deep and slow breaths.
A senior monk and junior monk were traveling together.
At one point they came to a river with a strong current.
As the monks were preparing to cross the river,
They saw a very young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross.
The young woman asked if they could help her cross to the other side.
The two monks glanced at one another because they had taken vows to not touch a woman.
Then,
Without a word,
The older monk picked up the woman,
Carried her across the river,
Placed her gently on the other side,
And carried on his journey.
The younger monk couldn't believe what had happened.
After rejoining his companion,
He was speechless,
And an hour passed without a word between them.
Two more hours passed,
Then three.
Finally,
The younger monk couldn't contain himself any longer and blurted out,
As monks,
We are not permitted to touch a woman.
How could you then carry that woman on your shoulders?
The older monk looked at him and replied,
Brother,
I set her down on the other side of the river.
Why are you still carrying her?
As we move into our meditation,
Connect with your physical self.
Where are you at right now?
Are you seated or lying down?
Is your heart rate going quickly or is it slow?
What does your body feel like right now?
Does it feel heated or cold?
Energetic or tired?
Open or closed?
Is this your energy?
Is it helping you right now?
Let's sit with this energy.
Observe it as a curious outsider,
Not bringing any judgment.
Does this feeling change under being observed?
As you sit with the feeling,
Notice if it is asking anything of you.
Does it just need to be noticed or is it calling you towards action?
Whatever answer comes to you,
There is no need to do anything about it right now.
Thank this feeling and energy.
It stuck to you for a reason,
But now we can let it go.
Imagine this feeling collecting into a ball before you.
Does it have any final messages for you?
Breathe in deeply,
Filling your lungs all of the way.
Now breathe out,
Letting the ball of energy dissolve and dissipate as you do so.
Continue breathing in deeply and slowly breathing out for the next few breaths.
This feeling may come back.
Do this exercise anytime you need to,
Coming back to simply experiencing the thoughts and feelings that arise.
Give them a chance to tell their story and then let them go.
When you are ready to end the exercise,
Open your eyes.
